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Amaryllis Heritage #2
Free to Judge
When a corporate lawyer doesn't pull her punches publicly, a mob defense attorney has her arrested. Yet, in private, he only wants to offer her his protection.
Kalie Marshall's greatest strength isn't her Harvard Law degree or her determination, which won her eternal athletic glory. No, it's her loyalty to her beloved family.
That's why she's astonished when they stand back as she's arrested after standing up to Declan Conian, the gorgeous mob lawyer she confronted head-on.
But it's not their first encounter, though no one but them knows that.
It doesn't take long for Kalie to discover that Declan isn't just a cold and indifferent man who looks delicious in his custom suits. He's as passionate as she is about uncovering the truth.
Right now, the truth includes exposing past secrets that touch both their lives. Secrets that now place Kalie in harm's way.
As they quickly go from enemies to confidants to more, Kalie can't imagine a future without Declan. But will Declan be lost to the darkness, or will Kalie even be able to judge their relationship when the time comes?
Kalie Marshall's greatest strength isn't her Harvard Law degree or her determination, which won her eternal athletic glory. No, it's her loyalty to her beloved family.
That's why she's astonished when they stand back as she's arrested after standing up to Declan Conian, the gorgeous mob lawyer she confronted head-on.
But it's not their first encounter, though no one but them knows that.
It doesn't take long for Kalie to discover that Declan isn't just a cold and indifferent man who looks delicious in his custom suits. He's as passionate as she is about uncovering the truth.
Right now, the truth includes exposing past secrets that touch both their lives. Secrets that now place Kalie in harm's way.
As they quickly go from enemies to confidants to more, Kalie can't imagine a future without Declan. But will Declan be lost to the darkness, or will Kalie even be able to judge their relationship when the time comes?
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Published July 16, 2025
25 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Jerald
46 books1,309 followersWant to keep up with Tracey?
www.traceyjerald.com
For more outstanding romance reads, follow Foreword PR
Please direct all inquiries to my personal email - authortraceyjerald@gmail.com for a faster response
To sign up for her newsletter, go to: smarturl.it/TraceyJerald_News
Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!
www.traceyjerald.com
For more outstanding romance reads, follow Foreword PR
Please direct all inquiries to my personal email - authortraceyjerald@gmail.com for a faster response
To sign up for her newsletter, go to: smarturl.it/TraceyJerald_News
Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 3, 2025
This book….. oh my goodness , this book is exceptionally outstanding.
The Amaryllis series is one of the best series I have ever read, & would gladly shout that from the roof tops .
Free To Judge most definitely did not disappoint , it got me , mind , body , & soul .
kalie, & Declan’s story showed that love isn’t always enough , truth & loyalty are essential.
Both are such great characters, & as Tracey writes them , & their story so perfectly, it’s like you are in the pages with them , you are on the journey with them . You feel their joy , & you feel their pain .
I can’t praise this book enough , it needs way more than 5 stars .
It’s an absolute must read
The Amaryllis series is one of the best series I have ever read, & would gladly shout that from the roof tops .
Free To Judge most definitely did not disappoint , it got me , mind , body , & soul .
kalie, & Declan’s story showed that love isn’t always enough , truth & loyalty are essential.
Both are such great characters, & as Tracey writes them , & their story so perfectly, it’s like you are in the pages with them , you are on the journey with them . You feel their joy , & you feel their pain .
I can’t praise this book enough , it needs way more than 5 stars .
It’s an absolute must read
July 16, 2025
Loved this enemies to lovers book!!! The pages flew and I didn’t stop!! Absolutely loved worth the 5 stars!
July 21, 2025
Finding Justice and Love
Declan Corian is a troubled character. He has lived through a worst-case scenario, and it has changed his life. After gaining his Harvard law degree, he joined the FBI. With his partner, Tanya, they went after a crime family that traded in human trafficking among many other illegal activities. The undercover operation ends horrifically when Tanya is eliminated…leaving a disgraced Declan. Now, alone, but with help from Hudson Investigations, Declan is putting together a case against the crime families responsible for Tanya’s death. Undercover, Declan is the go-to Attorney for the Byrnes Irish crime Family, and that means Declan is expected to get the mobsters off charges for their crimes.
Kalie Marshall is a genius corporate Attorney who works for her family’s Amaryllis Events. In her off time, Kalie is a gold medal Olympic long-distance runner. Running is her passion. She shares the love of her huge, close-knit, and crazy family, the Freemans.
Kalie, though, is a ‘little hot’ when she discovers that Declan got the mobsters who severely injured her cousin Laura released from custody. Bumping into him at the courthouse allowed her to show her anger by giving Declan a fist sandwich. It was so unexpected from this tiny demure lady that she sent Declan to the floor. That brought Kalie to the attention of the mafia leaders, and great danger. This also brings Kalie into Declan’s world.
Declan and Kalie share many similarities and are strongly drawn to each other. When Kalie finds out the actual circumstances of Declan’s job in the mob, she begins to understand what is at stake. This story sadly circles around a completely evil crime family and the horrors they’ve perpetrated for decades. The Freeman family, extended family, and grown children weave in and out of this story. I could not put this book down. I just had to know what happened next. WOW, lots to take in. Linda
Declan Corian is a troubled character. He has lived through a worst-case scenario, and it has changed his life. After gaining his Harvard law degree, he joined the FBI. With his partner, Tanya, they went after a crime family that traded in human trafficking among many other illegal activities. The undercover operation ends horrifically when Tanya is eliminated…leaving a disgraced Declan. Now, alone, but with help from Hudson Investigations, Declan is putting together a case against the crime families responsible for Tanya’s death. Undercover, Declan is the go-to Attorney for the Byrnes Irish crime Family, and that means Declan is expected to get the mobsters off charges for their crimes.
Kalie Marshall is a genius corporate Attorney who works for her family’s Amaryllis Events. In her off time, Kalie is a gold medal Olympic long-distance runner. Running is her passion. She shares the love of her huge, close-knit, and crazy family, the Freemans.
Kalie, though, is a ‘little hot’ when she discovers that Declan got the mobsters who severely injured her cousin Laura released from custody. Bumping into him at the courthouse allowed her to show her anger by giving Declan a fist sandwich. It was so unexpected from this tiny demure lady that she sent Declan to the floor. That brought Kalie to the attention of the mafia leaders, and great danger. This also brings Kalie into Declan’s world.
Declan and Kalie share many similarities and are strongly drawn to each other. When Kalie finds out the actual circumstances of Declan’s job in the mob, she begins to understand what is at stake. This story sadly circles around a completely evil crime family and the horrors they’ve perpetrated for decades. The Freeman family, extended family, and grown children weave in and out of this story. I could not put this book down. I just had to know what happened next. WOW, lots to take in. Linda
July 7, 2025
The Firebrand and her Undercover Lover…..
I have just read the most enthralling tale by the wonderful Tracey Jerald and her intriguing prose and involved scenes have left me in awe of her creativity. The emotional build-up, the laying out of the panoramic scenes that cradled her story, the magnitude of the whole tale has left me breathless. This next story in the evolution of the Freeman/Marshall clan, simply reinforces the strength and emotional endurance of this wonderful tribe and I have devoured every word!
Kalie’s beliefs and upbringing by the strong and confident females of this family, embodies the true meaning of truth and loyalty and of the saying that they shoulder burdens together as Family is First.
Declan has gone through so much heartache in his life and the journey he was on involved many days, months, years lived in painful retribution and isolation. It took meeting Kalie and the amazing females surrounding her, to realise that he could come through the flames and eventually live a life surrounded by the loving intricacies of his Firebrand.
I travelled along on their journey with the whole cast of characters, being comforted by my old favourites and being introduced to the next generation of fabulous players in the Amaryllis line-up.
This was truly an amazing tale crafted by a favourite author and I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me. I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
I have just read the most enthralling tale by the wonderful Tracey Jerald and her intriguing prose and involved scenes have left me in awe of her creativity. The emotional build-up, the laying out of the panoramic scenes that cradled her story, the magnitude of the whole tale has left me breathless. This next story in the evolution of the Freeman/Marshall clan, simply reinforces the strength and emotional endurance of this wonderful tribe and I have devoured every word!
Kalie’s beliefs and upbringing by the strong and confident females of this family, embodies the true meaning of truth and loyalty and of the saying that they shoulder burdens together as Family is First.
Declan has gone through so much heartache in his life and the journey he was on involved many days, months, years lived in painful retribution and isolation. It took meeting Kalie and the amazing females surrounding her, to realise that he could come through the flames and eventually live a life surrounded by the loving intricacies of his Firebrand.
I travelled along on their journey with the whole cast of characters, being comforted by my old favourites and being introduced to the next generation of fabulous players in the Amaryllis line-up.
This was truly an amazing tale crafted by a favourite author and I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me. I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
July 11, 2025
I really enjoyed Free To Judge. I enjoyed the plot, characters and suspense elements. There are a lot of hard emotions and situations that are faced and talked about in this book, it’s done realistically so you really feel what the characters are but it’s also done sensitively. I liked both Kalie and Declan. Kalie was a great heroine who was fierce, strong, determined and loyal. She really impressed me with how kind and compassionate she was but still had firm boundaries and knew what she wanted. I loved that she was a lawyer and also an elite athlete that turned her passion/love for running into an amazing charity to help others. Declan was a complicated man who was going through so much and felt so isolated and had a lot of pain inside. He loved and protected fiercely and took his job seriously. His loyalty to those he cared about was unwavering. Hearing his story and why he ultimately decided to do what he was doing was so emotionally painful and you could feel how much it cost him. I’m so glad he had Kalie’s family and met her, seeing them fall in love was such a journey and their spicy times were on fire. I was so glad to see those 2 scenes with Ben and get some closure. I can’t wait for book 3!
July 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this....this is my first books by this author as I read the first in this series too before this one and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed both but did like this one a bit better. I will definitely go and read more from Tracey that's for sure.
This was definitely faster paced than the first book and I really enjoyed both MCs Kalie and Declan story showed that love takes time and it isn't always enough you need loyalty and trust first and foremost. Both are really good characters and I enjoyed their dynamic and relationship you are definitely for sure on this journey with them while reading this.
This enemies to lovers was everything I wanted from it 💓 the chemistry between these two was off the scale hot. I love how Kalie stands up to Declan and doesn't show fear and that she can be feisty and strong. They are drawn to each other because they are very similar and when these two finally collide all hell breaks loose and it's fire!!! Honestly I couldn't put this down and was enthralled from start to finish.
This was definitely faster paced than the first book and I really enjoyed both MCs Kalie and Declan story showed that love takes time and it isn't always enough you need loyalty and trust first and foremost. Both are really good characters and I enjoyed their dynamic and relationship you are definitely for sure on this journey with them while reading this.
This enemies to lovers was everything I wanted from it 💓 the chemistry between these two was off the scale hot. I love how Kalie stands up to Declan and doesn't show fear and that she can be feisty and strong. They are drawn to each other because they are very similar and when these two finally collide all hell breaks loose and it's fire!!! Honestly I couldn't put this down and was enthralled from start to finish.
July 15, 2025
I love that author Tracey Jerald is taking us on a journey through the amaryllis series in the second generation! Now, we get to discover characters we love so much on another level- more mature, as parents!
Although you don't have to have read the previous books, I personally suggest doing so!
Kalie is the daughter of one of my favorite alpha male hunks, Keene, I was looking forward to Daddy Keene for sure(drool)....
But, Kalie, where to start, she is a total badass! From the start we learn she isn't going to back down from ANYONE! That includes a man who caught her attention years ago, but now has it for the wrong reasons.
Is Declan a mob lawyer Kalie believes him to be or is there more to him? Will that instant pull she had towards him years ago continue to draw her into his orbit?
Y'all, get ready for the new generation of loyalty, love, connections, strength, fireworks, action and baddassary!
Although you don't have to have read the previous books, I personally suggest doing so!
Kalie is the daughter of one of my favorite alpha male hunks, Keene, I was looking forward to Daddy Keene for sure(drool)....
But, Kalie, where to start, she is a total badass! From the start we learn she isn't going to back down from ANYONE! That includes a man who caught her attention years ago, but now has it for the wrong reasons.
Is Declan a mob lawyer Kalie believes him to be or is there more to him? Will that instant pull she had towards him years ago continue to draw her into his orbit?
Y'all, get ready for the new generation of loyalty, love, connections, strength, fireworks, action and baddassary!
July 15, 2025
Free to Judge gives us Kalie and Declan’s story and shows us that love is so much more than what we ever think it is! Watching Kalie and Declan find their way through their odd relationship was incredible. Love isn’t simple and it isn’t complicated, but it is worth everything that you give your partner!
Tropes:
• Touch her and die
• She falls first
• He falls hard
• Enemies to lovers
• Found family
• Strong heroine
Watching Declan overcome his past because of Kalie was such a bright spotlight in just how strong loving someone can make you.
I can’t wait to see what is next in the Amaryllis Heritage Series!
Tropes:
• Touch her and die
• She falls first
• He falls hard
• Enemies to lovers
• Found family
• Strong heroine
Watching Declan overcome his past because of Kalie was such a bright spotlight in just how strong loving someone can make you.
I can’t wait to see what is next in the Amaryllis Heritage Series!
July 19, 2025
I absolutely love the passion Kalie has for her job and what's right so totally get her being torn about how she reacts to Declan when she sees him now versus the first time. Then we have Declan and what a tortured soul he is willing to give up everything after a devastating loss.
You are pulled into Kalie and Declan's world quickly and feel their frustrations, attraction along with danger as their story is weaved together, I also loved all the supporting characters especially Kalie's family who love hard and can over step at times.
Absolutely loved this book and was up till 2am as I did not want to put it down and needed to know how it would all finish for everyone.
You are pulled into Kalie and Declan's world quickly and feel their frustrations, attraction along with danger as their story is weaved together, I also loved all the supporting characters especially Kalie's family who love hard and can over step at times.
Absolutely loved this book and was up till 2am as I did not want to put it down and needed to know how it would all finish for everyone.
September 25, 2025
This is a second generation amaryllis series book. The children from the much loved Amaryllis characters are here and ready to throw punches and be noticed!
Karlie is the daughter of Keene (bats eyes and sighs) and Ali, she is loyal and smart and feisty and won't think twice about throwing punches for her family.
Declan catches her eye at graduation, years later their paths cross and her heated feelings are on a whole other level.
This book is family reunion of favorite Freeman appearances, drama, and twists and turns that only author Tracey Jerald can weird that has you turning the pages in anticipation of what's to come
Karlie is the daughter of Keene (bats eyes and sighs) and Ali, she is loyal and smart and feisty and won't think twice about throwing punches for her family.
Declan catches her eye at graduation, years later their paths cross and her heated feelings are on a whole other level.
This book is family reunion of favorite Freeman appearances, drama, and twists and turns that only author Tracey Jerald can weird that has you turning the pages in anticipation of what's to come
July 10, 2025
Gah, Declan had me at "firebrand". What a perfect descriptor for the beautiful, strong willed Kalie. Free to Judge shows us what happens when our past affects our future. Declan is on a quest to avenge his partner. Kalie, wants the love that her family has shown her is possible. Kalie will defend her family forever, but the lines blur when she is in the crosshairs of Declan's pretend life. You feel the highs and the lows, the strength and love that the Marshall / Freeman / Lockwood families embody. This was a fast paced consuming read and a great addition to the Amaryllis series.
July 20, 2025
Gah, Declan had me at "firebrand". What a perfect descriptor for the beautiful, strong willed Kalie. Free to Judge shows us what happens when our past affects our future. Declan is on a quest to avenge his partner. Kalie, wants the love that her family has shown her is possible. Kalie will defend her family forever, but the lines blur when she is in the crosshairs of Declan's pretend life. You feel the highs and the lows, the strength and love that the Marshall / Freeman / Lockwood families embody. This was a fast paced consuming read and a great addition to the Amaryllis series.
July 17, 2025
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
NOW LIVE - FREE TO JUDGE
(¸.•´ (¸.•`(¸.•` (¸.•´ (¸.•`(¸.•`
Available in Amazon/ KU, Free to Judge is a passionate and thrilling, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, mafia (with a twist!) romance standalone in the Amaryllis Heritage.
ORDER/One Click: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F937KVP6
GOODREADS TBR: https://geni.us/FreetoJudgeGR
NOW LIVE - FREE TO JUDGE
(¸.•´ (¸.•`(¸.•` (¸.•´ (¸.•`(¸.•`
Available in Amazon/ KU, Free to Judge is a passionate and thrilling, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, mafia (with a twist!) romance standalone in the Amaryllis Heritage.
ORDER/One Click: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F937KVP6
GOODREADS TBR: https://geni.us/FreetoJudgeGR
May 19, 2025
Want to read, accidentally hit a star and can’t figure out how to remove
July 31, 2025
3.5 stars
The dominant aspect of this book for me was finding the storyline with Kalie and Declan, a little too confusing. Who Declan was working for and how it all intertwined with the Byrne's was just a bit too much for my brain! Most of it does get clarified when Kalie and Declan have a big talk about a third of the way through the book but I still struggled not understanding big parts of the plot for 30% of the book. The connections between people and the way they're all related just didnt click for me in this so it made it harder to sit back and enjoy.
However there is some nice prose throughout parts of this book, some excellent female empowerment with strong and independent women and a nuanced relationship surrounding grief thats not romantic, all of which I found refreshing and enjoyable.
Jerald was a new author for me and im definitely keen to try another book!
The dominant aspect of this book for me was finding the storyline with Kalie and Declan, a little too confusing. Who Declan was working for and how it all intertwined with the Byrne's was just a bit too much for my brain! Most of it does get clarified when Kalie and Declan have a big talk about a third of the way through the book but I still struggled not understanding big parts of the plot for 30% of the book. The connections between people and the way they're all related just didnt click for me in this so it made it harder to sit back and enjoy.
However there is some nice prose throughout parts of this book, some excellent female empowerment with strong and independent women and a nuanced relationship surrounding grief thats not romantic, all of which I found refreshing and enjoyable.
Jerald was a new author for me and im definitely keen to try another book!
July 24, 2025
🔥 FREE TO JUDGE is OUT NOW!!🔥
Enemies to friends to lovers ✅
Secret identity ✅
Kidnapped heroine & overprotective hero ✅
Found family, forbidden passion, and all the touch-her-and-die vibes...
✨ If you love romantic suspense, mafia love stories, protective heroes, and second-gen spin-offs with heart, this one's for your TBR.
READ IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!📚
https://www.amazon.com/Free-Judge-Ene...
Enemies to friends to lovers ✅
Secret identity ✅
Kidnapped heroine & overprotective hero ✅
Found family, forbidden passion, and all the touch-her-and-die vibes...
✨ If you love romantic suspense, mafia love stories, protective heroes, and second-gen spin-offs with heart, this one's for your TBR.
READ IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!📚
https://www.amazon.com/Free-Judge-Ene...
July 16, 2025
Free to Judge is the second book in the Amaryllis Heritage series. Kalie and Declan’s journey was an emotional read. Tracey Jerald never fails to captivate me with her storytelling capabilities. Kalie was a strong heroine that stood her ground, and Declan was the fierce protector we all love in her books. I felt their chemistry from the beginning and enjoyed watching their connection blossom as the story progressed. You get the slow build, the heart stopping twists, hilarious banter and Freeman strength in their love story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews